Per the network, Dr. Jerry Punch will move out of the booth and back to pit reporter. Marty Reid will join Dale Jarrett and Andy Petree on the Sprint Cup announcing team. Here’s the canned quote from the ESPN PR machine.

"This group gives us the most versatile and comprehensive team in motorsports, and strengthens us in the booth," said Norby Williamson, ESPN’s executive vice president for studio and event production."We play to the strengths of our announcers, and Marty’s strength is calling the tactical aspects of the race while deferring to the analysts. And from the early days of our NASCAR coverage, Jerry helped evolve the significant role that reporting from the pits plays. He will bolster our already-strong stable of pit reporters."

Reid has been with ESPN since 1982. Last year, he called Nationwide and IRL races. The statement suggests Reid will remain on the mic for most 2010 Nationwide Series events.

So is this a good or bad move for ESPN? Chime in with your thoughts in the comments section below.